We finally see the top two teams in the west prove themselves to the league. Canucks ranked number one overall and the Sharks were second in the West. Both team put their critics to rest by not choking a 3-0 lead. Both teams are notorious for giving up. One team from Canada looking to bring the cup back to it’s rightful country, the other mostly made up of Canadians.

Vancouver San Jose Odds Game 1

Offense:
San Jose has a potent offense, running some skilled lines against it’s opposition. They also have their top performers not performing. Jeremy Roenick makes a comment about Patrick Marleau and he goes out and scores the game winner in Game 7. Vancouver has some serious production in Ryan Kesler. He’s been playing like an MVP, scoring goals never giving up and making things very difficult for the opposition. The Sedins need to break out this round. I think they can given the defense of the Sharks.

Defense:
Vancouver is extremely deep here, more so than any team left. There are 13 players they used during the regular season and only one (Salo) is out. That is a luxury most teams would kill for at this time of year. San Jose has one pairing.

Goaltending:
Niemi took Chicago to the cup last year and has a great run this year. Luongo for all it’s worth is a great goaltender, but I think San Jose has the upper hand here. The difference though is I don’t think it’s going to be as tough for Luongo so he will shine.

My pick: Vancouver on the puckline given their offense will light up the scoreboard.